evil, The Wisdom of the Desert gives much kinder solutions to the trials of everyday life. The monks are in a spiritual battle from within themselves and from opposing external forces. These hermits turned away from harsh tactics of beating down the enemy. They are still able to conquer; it is just in an extremely more subtle way. They believed in solitude for escaping the corruption of mankind, but at the same time they were expected not to flee temptation when it occurred. Merton relates on such episode:The Fathers used to say: If some temptation arises in the place where you dwell in the desert, do not leave that place in time of temptation. For if you leave it then, no matter where you go, you will find the same temptation waiting for you. But be patient until the temptation goes away, lest your departure scandalize others who dwell in the same place, and bring tribulation upon them. (Merton 1960, 73)The desert hermits were advised to face whatever temptation may come and to make sure their brothers were not inflicted by trouble because of them. At all times the hermits were to think of others rather than themselves and to sacrifice anything they had so that another would be comforted. This is the Christian way of thinking, which informs its followers to love, comfort 8and never judge one another, including enemies. One story gives a perfect example of how the brothers should act:Certain of the brethren said to Abbot Anthony: We would like you to tell us some word, by which we may be saved. Then the elder said: You have heard the scriptures, they ought to be enough for you. But they said: We want to hear something also from you, Father. The elder answered them: You have heard the Lord say: If a man strikes you on the left cheek, show him also the other one. They said to him: This we cannot do. He said to them: If you can’t turn the other cheek, at least take it patiently on one of them. They replied: We can...
